After a birth, many midwives, doulas, mothers, fathers and even children become scientists as they explore the placenta and umbilical cord, marveling at the twists, colors and texture of what was the baby’s lifeline for nine months (or more!). How wonderful it is to take the time to explore these things and give thanks for the marvelous way in which new life grows and develops. This issue specifically honors the umbilical cord with articles from Michel Odent, Patricia Edmonds, Susun Weed, Sister MorningStar and others.

“Optimal Cord Clamping” by Mary Esther Malloy. A wonderful article highlighting the importance of caring for the umbilical cord at the proper time. While studies are showing us that there appears to be no good justification for the routine clamping and cutting of a baby’s umbilical cord seconds after the baby is born, survey after survey shows that most obstetricians and many midwives are still clamping and cutting cords very soon after delivery as a matter of course, with some rates as high as 95%.

“Cord Cutting in the Framework of Neonatal Beliefs and Rituals” by Michel Odent. Natural childbirth advocate and French obstetrician Michel Odent sheds light on the history of cord cutting while interpreting the contradiction of routine interference and current scientific research.

“The First Mother” by Sister MorningStar. A beautifully written article about the placenta and umbilical cord, also known as the baby’s “first mother.”

“What If Anything Were Possible? Traumatic Birth as Fertile Ground for Growth” by Keren Fridman Gadassi. Author and therapist Keren Fridman Gadassi shares how she helps women work through traumatic birth experiences.

“I Am the Umbilical Cord” by Susun Weed. A wonderful short poetic piece written from the perspective of the umbilical cord.

“Birth and Rebirth: A Jordanian-American Experience” by Suzanne Dwaik. A birth story that captures the intensity and inner struggle a mother went through to bring her child into the world in the best way possible under not-so-ideal circumstances.

“When a Midwife Becomes a Doula” by Ireena Keeslar. An emotional story sharing the birth of twins who were not compatible with life and how a midwife transferred to the role of a doula as specialists took over with the medical care.

“It’s a Breech!” by Mo Tabib. A midwife shares the breech birth story of one of her clients who chose to try for a vaginal breech delivery.

“Preserving Normalcy: An Interview with Dr. Bootstaylor” by Cindy Morrow. Dr. Bootstaylor, an Ob/Gyn from Atlanta and a homebirth advocate, shares his experiences and insights in an interview with author Cindy Morrow.

“Don’t Go to Her—She’s a Medwife!” by Louana George. “How should we respond when we see/read/hear something that is designed to wrong us individually or to wrong someone else in the community of women’s health care providers?”

“Gestational Diabetes: Real Risks beyond the Controversy” by Crystal Ogle. All opinions aside, author Crystal Ogle tries to get to facts about gestational diabetes and what midwives can do to educate their clients.

“Premature Ligation of the Umbilical Cord” by Patricia Edmonds. A wonderful article about the umbilical cord and reasons why it should not be cut prematurely.